Read on Twitter
Lots of talk about publishing agreements today, glad the discourse has started. Constructive criticism, scrutiny, and transparency will help us move forward as an industry.
One thing I don’t see really being talked about is this—no one actually needs a publisher.
One thing I don’t see really being talked about is this—no one actually needs a publisher.
That must sound weird coming from someone at a publisher, and from a publisher who opened this can of works by sharing its publishing agreement no less. Let me elaborate a little.
Funding a game doesn’t revolve exclusively around publishers. Full stop. No one can force you to sign a contract. If the contract isn’t for you, don’t sign it.
There are other ways to fund a game if needed:
- Government funds
- Video game funds
- Crowdfunding
- VC firms
Those are just a few options, there are more out there.
- Government funds
- Video game funds
- Crowdfunding
- VC firms
Those are just a few options, there are more out there.
Pursue the option that works best for your situation. If you’ve funded most or all of a game and just want marketing support from a publisher, find one who will take a smaller revenue share in exchange for marketing.
(we have passed on all collaborations that only need marketing support but there are other publishers who prefer that sort of arrangement)
If you feel you're capable of handling the things like marketing, QA, distribution, etc. that a publisher might take care of, look for an investor or consider crowdfunding instead!
Maybe you’ve got a rich auntie who wants to help out, take the free money! (or is it free? might come with other stipulations being family and all)
Recognize, though, if you have the means to create a game and also bring it to market—these are two very different things and not everyone is good at both.
Decide if you think you’ll benefit from a publisher in the first place. If so, then shop around and evaluate offers based on your needs. Otherwise, consider another path to fund development.
To reiterate, nobody needs a publisher. But a publisher can offer advantages you may not have on your own. Evaluate what you want from a publisher, determine what you think that's worth, and then choose which route to go down.
There's a lot of nuance and context that goes along with any partnership you decide to move forward with. Different needs, different deals. Be diligent and explore all possibilities before committing.
And please please please seek legal counsel before you affix your signature to anything.
